From the Scottish Highlands to Charm City: Ceilidh to Make North American Premiere in Baltimore

By Frankie Kujawa
This fall, the vibrant spirit of Scotland will take center stage as Ceilidh​​[KAY-lee] — a raucous new musical inspired by the centuries-old Scottish tradition of communal dancing, music, and storytelling — makes its North American premiere at the M&T Bank Exchange at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center. The limited-engagement production runs September 6th through October 12th and promises to immerse audiences in a whirlwind of lively dances, heartfelt stories, and a score that celebrates both heritage and community.

Ceilidh's David Corlew is excited to bring the magic of Scotland to Charm City's audiences.

“I hope audiences come away with a lot of laughter," explained Ceilidh cast member David  Corlew.  "I hope they leave thinking, ‘Wow, that was a wild, unexpected night. I’m going to think about that night for a long time.’"

As the story of Ceilidh unfolds, audiences will be swept into a whirlwind of lively Scottish dances, where every step tells a tale and honors a tradition passed down through generations of "callers." At its heart, Ceilidh is a musical about family, legacy, the enduring power of stories and having a good time!

Corlew continued, "The first time that I went to a ceilidh that’s the experience that I had.  I went for a friend’s wedding in Edinburgh, and I had no idea what to expect. And I’ve thought about that night ever since. So, I hope it’s a similar experience for our audiences.”

“I’ve played Scottish music for a long time.," Corlew added.  "When the audition announcements went up for the show, I thought, ‘A ceilidh? They’re doing a show about a ceilidh? I want to know what that’s about.’  So I went in for the open call, played some tunes and it went on from there."

For Corlew, the true power of Ceilidh became clear in rehearsal, where the material quickly exceeded even his own expectations. "You know, I expected this show to be fun.  And I expected [the show] to be good because of the people and heart involved.  Though I was working on the script over the summer [what most surprised me] was just how good the show really was during the first week of rehearsals. I was surprised at just how incredible it really is. It surpassed my expectations immediately. The way that the material works and comes to life in the room is both very brave and the right amount of joy that we need right now." 

Corlew, who is originally from outside Nashville, TN, spent a decent portion of his life in Chicago, and has spent the last two years in New York.  He's excited to call Baltimore home for the next few weeks.  "I’m having the best time," Corlew said of his time so far in Charm City. Though this isn't the first time in the Baltimore, he's hoping to accomplish a few things off his list while in town.  "I’ve already I ran around Federal Hill Park.  When I was six years old, my brother and I were rolling down the hills when we were here on a visit, and he rolled over a bee. He was so stoic and brave, and I wanted to see that hill.  I also want to go back to the Aquarium and to see an Orioles game."

To purchase tickets, please visit www.ceilidhmusical.com, Ticketmaster.com or visit the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center box office.